This article was taken from the January 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
Is it a blimp? Is it a plane? Or is it both? The Aeroscraft ML868 is designed to carry 66 tonnes, fly at 220kph and land without using runways or external ballasting systems.
Mansoor Kouchak, vice president of engineering at Worldwide Aeros Corp, which is building the vessel, says: "It'll fill the gap between what planes and helicopters do. It can land in areas without roads or infrastructure and carry loads that a helicopter never could." A half-sized 80m x 29m x 14m prototype will be completed soon. "We plan to start engineering the Aeroscraft early in 2013 and finish in 2016," says Kouchak.
The distinctive engineering feature of the Aeroscraft is its helium-ballasting management system. "We can control how heavy or light the vehicle is by compressing and releasing stored helium."
About 1.3 million cubic metres of gas supports the craft, which is driven by propellers and six turbofan jet engines. It can land and take off vertically from any surface, including water and snow. "We have a unique landing system with suction capability, like a hovercraft's," says Kouchak, 50.
The Californian company received $50 million (£38 million) from the US Department of Defense to build the prototype. Kouckak says the finished craft could be used to transport cargo to military bases, help out in natural-disaster-hit areas or assist in firefighting. "It will pretty much change the concept of flying."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
